DMD is a genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and wasting. It is the most common and severe form of muscular dystrophy.

It is caused by a fault, known as a mutation, on the dystrophin gene. Dystrophin is a protein that protects muscles; without it, muscles are easily damaged, and their strength and function is weakened. It eventually affects all the muscles in the body, including the heart and lungs.

DMD almost always affects boys. It is typically diagnosed in childhood between the age of three and six.

In early stages, DMD affects the limb muscles, with the legs affected before the arms. Children with DMD are often late walkers. Muscle weakness is most noticeable when children run or get up from the floor.

Delay in the ability to sit and stand independently

Large calf muscles (known as pseudo hypertrophy)

Trouble running and jumping

Unusual gait when walking

Using the Gower’s to get off the floor(using their hands and arms to “walk” up their own body from a Manouevre squatting position.